Lifetime is adapting Eric Jerome Dickey’s Friends and Lovers as a two-part movie event, The Hollywood Reporter has learned. Eric Jerome Dickey’s Friends and Lovers will serve as a centerpiece of the cable channel’s November “Love of a Lifetime” slate.
Eric Jerome Dickey’s Friends and Lovers will star Naturi Naughton, Simone Missick, Kendrick Sampson and RonReaco Lee. Part one will premiere on Nov. 15 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Lifetime; the second part will air at the same time the following night.
Eric Jerome Dickey’s Friends and Lovers is “a contemporary romantic drama exploring how friendship, passion, and forgiveness collide,” the synopsis reads. “The story follows two best friends, Debra (Naughton), a Type A doctor, and Shelby (Missick), a free-spirited rule breaker, as their lives intertwine with those of Leonard (Sampson), a rising but struggling comedian, and Tyrese (Lee), his loyal best friend. As Debra and Leonard’s love deepens, and Tyrese finds himself entangled with Shelby’s unpredictable ways, the four navigate the challenges of modern relationships. When tragedy strikes the group, they are forced to rebuild—transforming their bond from friendship into chosen family.”
The late Eric Jerome Dickey was one of the most influential voices in contemporary Black literature. Dickey died in 2021 following a cancer battle.
Eric Jerome Dickey’s Friends and Lovers is produced by Undaunted and Motion Entertainment, a WPP Media Company, for Lifetime. D’Angela Proctor serves as executive producer and director; Aireka Muse is the writer. Michael Buttiglieri and Chet Fenster are also executive producers.
The “Love of a Lifetime” slate kicks off Nov. 1 with a new movie each Saturday night.
Nov. 1
Terry McMillan Presents: His, Hers, and Ours starring Taye Diggs, Lesley-Ann Brandt, Aimee Garcia
Nov. 8
Terry McMillan Presents: Preach, Pray, Love starring Karrueche Tran, Mark JP Hood
Nov. 15 and 16
Eric Jerome Dickey’s Friends and Lovers